Court Interpreter Gets Community Service for Bribe...

Court Interpreter Gets Community Service for Bribery

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

A 25-year-old court interpreter has been sentenced to 120 hours of community service after being convicted of bribery and abuse of office.

Tapiwashe Chikomo, who had been facing a three-year jail term, had one year of his sentence suspended on condition of good behaviour. The remaining two years were also suspended, provided he performs unpaid community service.

He was represented by lawyer Tafadzwa Muvhami.

In delivering her ruling, Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka criticised Chikomo for exploiting his position within the justice system, saying such conduct undermined public trust.

However, she considered his youthfulness and clean record before deciding against imprisonment.

The case stemmed from a May 2025 incident involving Natasha Matikiti, whose husband, Kevin Sono, had been arrested for illegally wearing military-style camouflage.

The matter was brought before the Mbare Magistrates’ Court, where Chikomo was stationed.

According to prosecutor Heather Muokoto, Chikomo approached Matikiti outside court and told her the case was serious and might require his “assistance.” He later demanded a US$200 bribe, claiming he could facilitate her husband’s release.

Matikiti initially paid US$120 and promised to deliver the balance. Growing suspicious, she reported the matter to the police.

A trap was authorised by the Mbare District Crime Office, and when she handed Chikomo the remaining US$80 in marked bills, he was immediately arrested.

Chikomo is now serving his sentence through community service.